William "Billy" Grant

William A. (Billy) Grant, of Marianna, died on Friday, September 15. He was an educator, teaching at Marianna High School from 1957 until his retirement in 1994. Mr. Grant was widely known and respected as an excellent instructor in his many classes of American History. Throughout his teaching career he encouraged, inspired, and instilled in several generations of students an understanding and appreciation of our American heritage. Mr. Grant was a graduate of Marianna High School; he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida. He was a talented musician and a member of the University Concert and Marching Bands. While an instructor at Marianna High School, he served as advisor to students responsible for publication of the school yearbook, the Majaflo, and was faculty sponsor for the Key Club. In 1972, he was recognized as Jackson County Teacher of the Year and was honored as Marianna High School Teacher of the Year in 1993. He served as advisor to the Methodist Youth Fellowship and in other positions at the First United Methodist Church of Marianna. He was a member of the Jackson County Historical Society and the Board of Directors of Focus Credit Union. Mr. Grant is was predeceased by his parents, Doc Grant and Leta Bowen Grant. He is survived by his brother, Richard Wayne Grant, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Kingry Grant, many close friends from the Marianna High School class of 1952, and well as countless students whose education and lives were enriched by his commitment to education, by his talents, and by his friendship. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Marianna at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 18, followed by internment at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. It is requested that floral arrangements be omitted, but those wishing to honor Mr. Grant with a memorial remembrance may do so through the First United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 1503, Marianna, Florida 32447. Friends from the Marianna High School class of 1952 are asked to attend services as honorary pall bearers.